Experience during drills and war games revealed the lack of shipboard armaments makes Shichang inadequate for training weaponry operating crews. However, the ship provides sufficient training for all other crew functions. The layout of the ship is very similar to that of RFA Argus (A135), emphasizing helicopter training ship and helicopter support ship missions.

The modular design of the ship incorporates containerized modules used to expand its mission. More trainees can be accommodated with additional housing and training containers, or medical capability can be rapidly improved by addition of a containerized field hospital.